Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) · Kentucky

Engineering Services in Louisville

MEP, structural, civil, and energy-compliance engineering for Louisville projects — permitted through Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review and designed to the city's adopted codes and amendments.

Services in Louisville

Louisville Design Environment

Permit Office (AHJ)
Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review
Building Code
2024 Kentucky Building Code, based on the 2018 International Building Code, enforced by Louisville Metro
Energy Code
Kentucky Energy Code commercial provisions based on the 2021 IECC, with ASHRAE 90.1 as an alternate compliance path
Electric Utility
Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) provides electric and natural-gas service in Louisville

Kentucky's mini/maxi code structure makes the Kentucky Building Code a mandatory statewide minimum, so Louisville Metro cannot replace it with a weaker local code. Louisville Metro zoning, MSD drainage and sewer requirements, floodplain rules along the Ohio River, and public-right-of-way requirements are distinct local layers.

Louisville's active sectors include airport and logistics development associated with UPS Worldport, Ford and supplier manufacturing, bourbon production and visitor facilities, healthcare, and downtown infill. River, rail, interstate, and airport access make utility-intensive warehouse and industrial work a recurring part of the local pipeline.

One Organization, Connected Delivery

Louisville Engineering FAQs

Who handles commercial permits in Louisville?
Louisville Metro Department of Codes and Regulations, Office of Construction Review administers commercial construction permits and plan review. Zoning, fire, public works, MSD drainage/sewer, utility, and floodplain issues can be separate but coordinated parts of a complete project approval.
What codes apply to Louisville commercial construction?
Louisville Metro enforces the 2024 Kentucky Building Code, based on the 2018 IBC, and Kentucky's 2021-IECC-based commercial energy provisions. Kentucky's mini/maxi structure supplies a mandatory statewide minimum, with ASHRAE 90.1 available as an energy-code alternative.
Which utilities should be involved early?
LG&E should be involved for electric, gas, and distributed-generation service planning; Louisville Water provides potable water; and MSD manages wastewater, drainage, and stormwater infrastructure. Large loads, new connections, and older-system capacity should be addressed during layout rather than after permit submission.

Verified Local Sources

Reviewed 2026-09-11. Code editions and local requirements can change; confirm the current requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before design.

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Build in Louisville with Apex Grid

Louisville Metro's Office of Construction Review administers commercial construction permits and electronic plan review through the city's online permitting services. Building review is coordinated with zoning, fire, public works, MSD sewer/drainage, and utility work as applicable; applicants should resolve land-development and floodplain questions before relying on a building-permit submittal alone.

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